The sober-minded Tom would devote the morrow to Memphis and business.
This meant that he would leave Belle Plain at sun-up and return after nightfall.
"You may not like Tom, but you can always count on him," said Norton.
Then he ordered his horse and rode off in the direction of Raleigh, but before leaving the house, he scribbled a line or two to be handed Carrington, who had gone down to the nearest river landing.
It was nightfall when the Kentuckian returned, Hearing his step in the hall, Jeff came from the dining-room, where he was laying the cloth for supper.
"Mas'r Charley has rid to Raleigh, Sah," said he; "but he done lef' this fo' me to han' to yo"-- extending the letter.
Carrington took it.

He guessed its contents.

Breaking the seal he read the half dozen lines.
"To-morrow--" he muttered under his breath, and slowly tore the sheet of note-paper into thin ribbons.

He turned to Jeff.

"Mr.Charley won't be home until late," he said.
"Then I 'low yo' want yo' supper now, Sar ?" But Carrington shook his head.
"No, you needn't bother, Jeff," he said, as he turned toward the stairs.
Ten minutes later and he had got together his belongings and was ready to quit Thicket Point.